More Than 1,000 Iron Dragonflies To Be Displayed At Doddington Hall In Memory Of Loved Ones

Sam Waterer, Individual Giving Fundraiser at St Barnabas Hospice said: “I want to thank Doddington Hall for being so amazing to work with on this project. It will be our first event since the coronavirus pandemic began and we can’t wait to welcome our supporters back and give them a truly unique experience.

“As well as being able to visit the display during the day, we are also running several Twilight Tours as the sun sets over the gardens. A special thanks must go to Howell Thomas and the team at Lincoln College for helping us bring the display to life at this magical time of day.”

Twilight Tours will take place on Wednesday 16th, Friday 18th and Friday 25th September. The dragonflies will be lit beautifully as a St Barnabas tour guide takes supporters through a short walk of the gardens. Attendees will learn the significance of the dragonfly to the Hospice and why it was chosen for this year’s display. The tour will conclude at the Croquet Lawn so supporters can enjoy the full display and take a moment to remember loved ones. Bereavement counsellors will be on hand for those in need of support and live music will play.

These tours cost just £10 per adult and £5 per child and places must be booked on the St Barnabas website in advance to ensure the event remains compliant with current government guidelines. Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events to book onto a tour.

Claire Birch, who runs the Doddington Hall estate alongside her husband James, said, “If I were to dedicate a dragonfly to somebody it would be for my mother. I know the Hospice was very helpful when she was dying back in 2006 and she fought and worked so incredibly hard for Doddington all her adult life. It will be very apt for me to be remembering her here. She left the place in an amazing state for us and her legacy was extraordinary.”

To date, more than £80,000 has been raised for St Barnabas Hospice from people dedicating a dragonfly in memory of a loved one. This is open to anyone, not just those whose loved one has experienced hospice care. To view more information and dedicate a dragonfly, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/dragonfly